Kushti ( Pehalwani ) is a form of wrestling from the Indian subcontinent. It was developed in the Mughal Empire by combining native malla-yuddha with influences from Persian varzesh-e bastani.[1][2] The words pehlwani and kushti derive from the Persian terms pahlavani and koshti respectively. It is likely that the word derives from the Iranian word "Pehalavi" denoting to people of Iranian descent.
A practitioner of this sport is referred to as a pehlwan while teachers are known as ustad.[2] Many southern Indian practitioners of traditional malla-yuddha consider their art to be the more "pure" form of Indian wrestling, but most South Asians do not make this clear distinction and simply view kushti as a descendent of ancient malla-yuddha.[citation needed] One of the most famous practitioners of pehlwani was The Great Gama (Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt), who is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.[3
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